Wayde Van Nieker drops sub 10 sec in 100m

South Africa's World 400m champion Wayde van Nieker broke the 10 second barrier in 100m for the first time in his career at the Free State Championships in Bloemfontein on Saturday, March 12.

 

In the qualifying round Van Niekerk clocked 10.12 seconds running into -1.9m/s headwind. In the final Van Niekerk clocked a surprising 9.98 seconds with a help of slight 1.5m/s.

The 23-year-old quarter miler became the only athlete in history to break 10 seconds for 100m (9.98), 20 seconds for 200m (19.94) and 44 (43.48) seconds for 400m.

“It’s crazy,” Van Niekerk tweeted later in the night. “I’m truly grateful for this moment and appreciative of everyone’s support.”

Last year at the world outdoor championships in Beijing Van Niekerk clocked a lifetime best of 43.48 seconds in the 400m final beating favourites LaShawn Merritt (USA) and Kirani James  (GRN).